Benefits of concierge?

[stellablue]

Sorry if that sounds like a strange question-it's coming from someone who's never stayed at one!

For those who do, what is your primary purpose for choosing this level?
Is any of it economical? Meaning do you save money on food or is it purely just for the "first class" feel?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

My family and I choose to stay Club Level at WDW because we think it makes our stays at WDW a lot easier. We don't need to find a place for breakfast since we can go in the lounge, most of the days we are at WDW we make it back at 5:00 PM for the foods they offer and we know which floor or building we are staying at, since the Club Level rooms are located in a specific area. I would not say it's 1st class that you would see at a Ritz Carlton or other fancy Resorts, however the Cast Members who work on there are very professional and try to get the guests who stay there whatever they can within reason. So basically the choice of staying Club Level at WDW depends on each family, where as some will like it and others might not.

Also for the record Club Level is the official name since there is the Concierge desk in the lobby of each WDW Resort and because of that they did not want to confuse the guests by using the same name twice.

 

[stellablue]

My family and I choose to stay Club Level at WDW because we think it makes our stays at WDW a lot easier. We don't need to find a place for breakfast since we can go in the lounge, most of the days we are at WDW we make it back at 5:00 PM for the foods they offer and we know which floor or building we are staying at, since the Club Level rooms are located in a specific area. I would not say it's 1st class that you would see at a Ritz Carlton or other fancy Resorts, however the Cast Members who work on there are very professional and try to get the guests who stay there whatever they can within reason. So basically the choice of staying Club Level at WDW depends on each family, where as some will like it and others might not.

Also for the record Club Level is the official name since there is the Concierge desk in the lobby of each WDW Resort and because of that they did not want to confuse the guests by using the same name twice.

Thank you for your input and also for the title correction ("club level")-do you find that you actually save $$ on food by utilitizing all the meals/snacks they offer?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thank you for your input and also for the title correction ("club level")-do you find that you actually save $$ on food by utilitizing all the meals/snacks they offer?

Depending on what types of hot food is being offered at 5:00 PM, that can fill up my family and I so we won't need to go out to a restaurant. Now if we felt hungry later on we would go to a counter service location in WDW. However there are some who think the food they offer is not a full meal replacement, so it's another question where you will get different answers.

 

[PolyHereWeCome]

For our "Once in a Lifetime, First and Only WDW trip", we wanted to do something special, and we stayed at the Polynesian on their concierge level (little did I know we would become hooked on WDW).

Truthfully, thanks to a great general public room-only discount code, the price difference between concierge and non-concierge wasn't all that much (am thinking like $45-$55/night or so, which we'd easily spend on comparable food for the 4 of us). We knew it was going to be crowded as we went during Easter week/Spring Break time and the concierge was very helpful getting our reservations, and we enjoyed the relative quietness of the concierge lounge for meals, snacks, TV downtime. Our children at the time were seven and we loved the convenience and did use the lounge instead of eating meals elsewhere. We're not foodies so didn't mind the limited selection, but did love the convenience. We ate breakfast there every morning and DD and DS were hooked on the lunchtime snacks and we came back most nights in time for a suitable dinner, too (again, we aren't foodies, but totally liked the convenience and tranquility).

We're very glad we tried concierge! However with our children older and all of us now more experienced WDW travelers, non-concierge is our way to go. The following year we stayed non-concierge, booked our own reservations, brought lots of snacks for our "made ourselves" concierge, and were very pleased. That's what we'll be doing again this year (of course, never say never -- suppose if an extremely good discounted concierge rate was offered we might bite, but I highly doubt that's going to happen again).

 

[Dodie]

See this thread in the FAQ sticky post at the top of the board:

Important Concierge Information: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=679928

 

[madalex]

Thank you for your input and also for the title correction ("club level")-do you find that you actually save $$ on food by utilitizing all the meals/snacks they offer?

Yes, when it comes to breakfast, which we always eat from the lounge.
A little bit when it comes to snacks during the day.
Not at all when it comes to dinner, as one of the main things we like to do at WDW is enjoy the meals at the signature restaurants. We sample the hors d'oeurves which are put out in the evening, but that comes no where close to substituting for dinner.

 

[madalex]

My family and I choose to stay Club Level at WDW because we think it makes our stays at WDW a lot easier. We don't need to find a place for breakfast since we can go in the lounge, most of the days we are at WDW we make it back at 5:00 PM for the foods they offer and we know which floor or building we are staying at, since the Club Level rooms are located in a specific area. I would not say it's 1st class that you would see at a Ritz Carlton or other fancy Resorts, however the Cast Members who work on there are very professional and try to get the guests who stay there whatever they can within reason. So basically the choice of staying Club Level at WDW depends on each family, where as some will like it and others might not.

Many of the reasons cited above are why we always stay on the concierge level (I have been staying there since 1997 and refuse to adopt the new nomenclature of calling it the "club level"). I would also add that pre-trip planning is made easier by staying concierge. ADRs and room requests are much easier to do through the various IPOs which concierge gives you access to.

As for comparing WDW's concierge floor amenities to other high end resorts, there was an article in the Wall Street Journal a couple months back about the amenities offered on the concierge/club floors at various high-end business/resort hotels (I would post a link to the article, but am not technologically savvy enough to do so). Among such hotels, the amenities available varied widely, but the WDW concierge amenities certainly compared very favorably to what is available in many non-Disney hotels.

 

[Dis Ohana]

When checking in to the GF, I informed the CM that greeted us that we were "club level" guests. He looked at me blankly, then said...ohhh, you must mean concierge level. Maybe he didn't get the memo.

We stayed CL at AKL mainly to do the Sunrise Safari, that was well worth the extra cost. We also had breakfast in the lounge every morning and a beer or two at night.

 

[LowesChevy]

I think the concierge level works pretty well with the DP. The breakfast items available in the louge are perfect for grabbing a continental breakfast. Saving your CS and TS meals for lunch and dinner. The snacks in the afternoon and evening may be enough to tide you over if you used a snack already in the day. There are usually some hot appetizers to munch on in the lounge and soft drinks. At the Polynesian you get a sweet view of the fireworks in the lounge as well.

When my brother and I were teenagers it was a lot of fun to go to the lounge for snacks and all the soda we could drink. I can see it being economical for having teenagers because they can eat at any time.

As far as feeling like first class-it is a great feeling being treated with such hospitality. We have been fortunate to experience the club levels at the Polynesian, GF and Yacht Club and it was really great.

Now that it usually my parents and I traveling-the need for the extra food or drinks during the day has diminished. We like to eat a table service breakfast, lunch and dinner most days because we do not snack much at the parks.

It is all about how you will services as well-ADRs pretty much need to be made 180 days out. You no longer think about making reservations the day you arrive like you used to be able to. They can arrange for other activities like RP Driving Experience and cruises.

 

[Lives4Disney]

When checking in to the GF, I informed the CM that greeted us that we were "club level" guests. He looked at me blankly, then said...ohhh, you must mean concierge level. Maybe he didn't get the memo.

We stayed CL at AKL mainly to do the Sunrise Safari, that was well worth the extra cost. We also had breakfast in the lounge every morning and a beer or two at night.

I think it changed quite a while ago here and there.....On the WDW website it states "club level room" but description calls it concierge.

I also like that they can preshop for items you might want to have in your room....also when you make purchases in the parks, the items are delivered directly to your room, vs. to the gift shop.

I enjoy concierge at WDW although the perks are dwindling and I feel less and less need to book it - we've done CR,GF, BWI, Swan, Poly all several times over the years....I only like the GF concierge and that is what I book. That is the only one I find worth the extra cost.

Lives4Disney

Lives4Disney

 

[ducklite]

Yes, when it comes to breakfast, which we always eat from the lounge.
A little bit when it comes to snacks during the day.
Not at all when it comes to dinner, as one of the main things we like to do at WDW is enjoy the meals at the signature restaurants. We sample the hors d'oeurves which are put out in the evening, but that comes no where close to substituting for dinner.

I couldn't agree more.

In the past I've felt that club level at WDW was "worth it." But in recent years the level of service has declined and become far less professional, and many amenities have disappeared, and IMHO it's no longer "worth" the rates that WDW is charging for a few snacks and cheap wine in the evening. The only "meal" that I think you can fill up on is breakfast. But then again I was raised that appetizers are to whet the appetite, not be a dinner substitute. IMHO you won't realize a cost benefit by staying concierge, and the services that can't have a dollar value placed on them are simply not there anymore.

Frankly I get better service and a nicer atmosphere (no herding factor) in the executive floor lounge at the Atlanta Airport Hilton than I do at a WDW resort, and pay about $100 a night for it as opposed to over $400.

 

[ducklite]

As for comparing WDW's concierge floor amenities to other high end resorts, there was an article in the Wall Street Journal a couple months back about the amenities offered on the concierge/club floors at various high-end business/resort hotels (I would post a link to the article, but am not technologically savvy enough to do so). Among such hotels, the amenities available varied widely, but the WDW concierge amenities certainly compared very favorably to what is available in many non-Disney hotels.

I disagree, unless you're talking food offerings only. At other hotels I can select the type of pillows and bedding I want on my bed, and it's there and set when I check in. I get free wireless in my room and the lounge. I get fresh flowers in my room. I get a staff member who will help me with restaurant reservations, and even get me into sold out places, and not just in that hotel. Try to get a WDW concierge to get you a reservation at Emerils. not going to happen. At the Ritz, you've got a shot at it. The coffee at high end hotels (and none of the hotels at WDW can be called high end. high priced, yes, high end, no) isn't Nescafe. The sheets are Frette, the towels are over sized Egyptian cotton. There are slippers with the robes in the closet. The bathroom amenities include shampoo, seperate conditioner, two types of bath soap or one type plus a gel with pouf, hand soap, hand lotion, a sewing kit, a vanity kit with Q-Tips/emery board/cotton balls, and sometimes an additional item such as a pumice stone, nail brush, or back scrubber. The bath mat is an actual rug as opposed to a towel. There is a scale in the bathroom, and often a TV and phone as well. The list goes on and on, but there's no way I'd compare a WDW resort, even on club level to the finer hotels and resorts in the world.

 

[LindaR]

The "benefits" of staying concierge at WDW simply cannot be compared to staying concierge at other hotels. When I am out of town, I typically stay on the club level. It's much quieter, so simple to pop into the lounge and grab a simple breakfast to eat in my room while I am getting ready. As mentioned, the level of service is TOTALLY way beyond what WDW does. No comparison.

I refuse to waste my money on concierge at WDW. I spend alot at WDW anyway, but I like to be satisfied with what I receive in exchange for my dollar!




That way I CAN go to Neiman Marcus and buy that handbag that is NOT on sale!!!!

 

[ducklite]

The "benefits" of staying concierge at WDW simply cannot be compared to staying concierge at other hotels. When I am out of town, I typically stay on the club level. It's much quieter, so simple to pop into the lounge and grab a simple breakfast to eat in my room while I am getting ready. As mentioned, the level of service is TOTALLY way beyond what WDW does. No comparison.

I refuse to waste my money on concierge at WDW. I spend alot at WDW anyway, but I like to be satisfied with what I receive in exchange for my dollar!




That way I CAN go to Neiman Marcus and buy that handbag that is NOT on sale!!!!

I agree with you up to the last sentence--I don't care if it's on sale for $880 or full price, it's more than I'm willing to spend for a handbag. Able, I guess if you really want to get technical, I am. Willing, not in a gazillion years.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . The list goes on and on, but there's no way I'd compare a WDW resort, even on club level to the finer hotels and resorts in the world . . .

. . . agreed
. . . we usually stay "concierge floor" on business in USA, Europe and Asia
. . . the WDW "club floor" does not offer true concierge service

. . . Club Level is the official name since there is the Concierge desk in the lobby of each WDW Resort and because of that they did not want to confuse the guests by using the same name twice.

. . . logical
. . . but, the reason was due to so many complaints about sub-par service
. . . people would pay for "concierge service" and get "club floor" quality
. . . there were too many tasks the concierge floor couldn't/wouldn't do
. . . many asked, and received, their money back for the added club floor cost
. . . thus, the name change


NOTE: WDW hotels have not given so much money back since the debacle of the "Pink Candy Castle". People booked weddings in the GF chapel so they would have a wedding photo with the castle in the background. It was so hideous, that many people demanded, and received, their money back.

NOTE2: This is not a condemnation of WDW Club Floor. It should be recognized that it is a personal choice, whether it pays back monetarily or not.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Try to get a WDW concierge to get you a reservation at Emerils. not going to happen. At the Ritz, you've got a shot at it.

I see what you are saying about that, however wouldn't WDW want the Club Level Cast Members to get them ADR's at restaurants in WDW and not at Universal Orlando City Walk, which is their biggest competitor. So I can see why A Cast Member would not do that. Yes they maybe helping the guests out, however do you think WDW managment would be happy about that?

 

[Monte Cristo]

. . . agreed
. . . we usually stay "concierge floor" on business in USA, Europe and Asia
. . . the WDW "club floor" does not offer true concierge service


. . . logical
. . . but, the reason was due to so many complaints about sub-par service
. . . people would pay for "concierge service" and get "club floor" quality
. . . there were too many tasks the concierge floor couldn't/wouldn't do
. . . many asked, and received, their money back for the added club floor cost
. . . thus, the name change


NOTE: WDW hotels have not given so much money back since the debacle of the "Pink Candy Castle". People booked weddings in the GF chapel so they would have a wedding photo with the castle in the background. It was so hideous, that many people demanded, and received, their money back.

NOTE2: This is not a condemnation of WDW Club Floor. It should be recognized that it is a personal choice, whether it pays back monetarily or not.

What's with all of the "..."? Is that paraphrasing a longer thought??

 

[Threehearts]

We have stayed at the Polynesian Club Level/Concierge I think about 20 times now. In no way do the service/ammenities etc. compare to a Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons Club Level. We travel quite a bit and frequently stay at nicer hotels, partially because my husband expenses them. Being called by name in greeting, sinking into lovely, high count feather beds with your beverage of choice on the table near you, enjoying a wide array of delicious offerings(the Ritz resorts often will have 5/day)- this is where WDW Club Level doesn't compare favorably. This does not mean that the WDW experience will be problematic but it will be different. Some people will say that you are paying rates higher than the Four Seasons because of "the magic." I seem to find magic at many of the high end(and mid-range) resorts that we stay at, which are non-Disney. We still love the Polynesian but these rates are now incredibly high to me, and although we'll still visit WDW, we'll not happily pay the Club Level additional costs. We stay at the Polynesian for the convenience of breakfast and the wonderful central location of the Hawaii building. I agree with ducklite that for those of us who have been utilizing the Club Level at WDW for many years, the program has definitely suffered recently. Threehearts

 

[ConcKahuna]

When checking in to the GF, I informed the CM that greeted us that we were "club level" guests. He looked at me blankly, then said...ohhh, you must mean concierge level. Maybe he didn't get the memo.

I think it changed quite a while ago here and there.....On the WDW website it states "club level room" but description calls it concierge.

I think the change went through about 2 years ago. Maybe the person at the GF was one of the Valet employees, since they are not Disney CMs. It also might have been a new CM.

Try to get a WDW concierge to get you a reservation at Emerils. not going to happen.

I've actually seen CM's at the Polynesian make a reservation at the Macaroni Grill for a family. They had said it was their Christmas tradition

Also, after St Patricks Day when a lot of the airports in the NE were closed, I know a few Polynesian CM's who actually helped book charter flights for people who couldn't get home via standard airlines. WDW CMs will do this kind of stuff in most situations, you just have to ask

The sheets are Frette, the towels are over sized Egyptian cotton.

The new sheets at WDW deluxe hotels are MUCH better than they used to be. They are 800 count now, and while that may not be the very best available it's a lot better than it used to be. The new towells are also much nicer.

Most of the WDW deluxe hotels are ranked 4 diamonds by AAA. Yes, there are nicer places out there. Most (not all) of the Ritz hotels rank 5 diamonds. Are the WDW hotels going to be nice? Yes. The nicest? Probably not.

As for club level, one of the greatest things they offer (espeically to people who don't know Disney very well) is the IPO service. The IPO offices can help you plan your trip day-by-day and provide you with park hours during your stay, ADRs, and even any information you might want about the various shows and attractions.